Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

• 

  Great Car - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By powerpark - January 7 - 8:06 am

  We bought the 4 instead of the six. Good Gas mileage , the ride is great and does not lean in the turns. It handles a lot like a car. I have the 2 wheel drive. I think without the extra drag on the drive train we are getting better mpg. As far as snow. The highlander has good ground clearance. And with the good tires and front wheel drive it should be ok. The sunroof is great. But needs a wind deflector. Very nice car. Thanks Toyota!

• 

  Former Nissan Fan - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By allriedge - January 6 - 5:13 am

  Traded in my 1999 for a 2002 Camry. I initially had my heart set on a 2002 Nissan Altima until I test drove a 2002 Toyota Camry SE V6. The newly designed exterior of the Altima is sharp. Altimas drawback: noisy ride. The Camrys quiet (shhhhh) ride, roomy cabin and interior fit and finish left the Altima in the dust. That, added to the cars solid feel, handling and excellent reliability made the Camry an easy choice. I know I would have had regrets if I had purchased the Altima.

• 

  Pleasure to own/drive since day one - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Evan - January 4 - 5:20 pm

  This car has been a pleasure to own/drive since day one. Toyota did an excellent job at making an inexpensive car look and feel twice what I paid for it. Also the headrest is perfect! If you are looking for a great car thats budget friendly this one is definitely worth a look.

• 

  "King Of The Road" - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By CTP855 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Built like a rock, dependable, reliable, impecable quality, and fun to drive. Handling is superb for such a heavy vehicle. Owned my last Land Cruiser for eleven (11) trouble free years. Pricey, but worth every cent if you plan on keeping it for a number of years. Has excellent resale value. Gas mileage isnt good, but mosy SUVs arent.

• 

  Best car on the road - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Jenifer Coffman - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This had been the best vehicle i have ever drive. its fun & sporty!! i love mine & wouldnt trade it for anything

• 

  My Baby - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Wanda Lee - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This car was the only car in a pile up accident to survive, with minor damages.

• 

  Remarkable Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By mortdana - January 4 - 2:00 am

  My new 2004 Toyota Prius amazes me more every time I get behind the wheel. The technology you get for about $25,000 beyond comparison. What is most remarkable about the 2004 Prius is that is drives like any other car on the road, yet put more gee-whiz features at your fingertips. Push button start, a joystick shifter, an LCD screen that provides the driver with incredible detail about how the Hybrid Synergy Drive System is working. You can track you gas mileage, the outside temperature and more. The transition from electric motor to gas engine is virtually seamless. All this and the car is fun to drive!

• 

  Why change a good thing - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By rcb837 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I had always admired this vehicle, but it was always out of my price range. Finally I got the chance to actually own one and I love it even more now. It has more options than I even knew it had. The anit-skid is great. This is my second Toyota and it is even better than the first. The wheels flares, hood scoop, and colored bumpers are great. Better then the new ones with gray plastic sides.

• 

  17,000 Plus miles and going strong - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By BillOH - January 4 - 2:00 am

  We live 40 miles from work and the Matrix is the perfect commuter car for us. Roomy, good mileage (we average 30 to 36 mpg), decent comfort for a big person in a small car, lots (and lots!) of cargo space and cruises effortlessly at legal highway speeds (and beyond!). The AWD is a blessing for the back country roads we travel every day. This is our second Toyota, the first being a basic 92 Corolla that was still going at 175,000+ miles, and the fit and finish of this one is what youd expect from a Toyota. This is a well thought out and executed vehicle. I hope it stays in the Toyota line-up a good long time.

• 

  Great Vehicle! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Louie - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had the vehicle for 3 months but so far I am extremely pleased with it. The ride is very smooth, the interior is very comfortable except for the headrest. It is an awesome looking SUV and I get a lot of compliments.